From chapter four onwards in the book of Ephesians, Paul moves from speaking about what God has done to thinking about how Christians should live and act. He has practical instructions for Christians at work, at home and in relationships. He knows that it isn’t easy for these young Gentile believers to live for Christ in a hostile world.

 

He is no doubt looking at a Roman soldier as he describes the armour that the Christian must put on. The belt, the breastplate, a shield and so on.

 

No doubt, he is prayerful as He writes. He imagines the struggles and battles that Christians face, and opposition, not just from non-believers but also from spiritual powers and unseen forces. He knows that prayer is a key strategy if Christians are to take a stand.

 

 

 

As we pray for others, there is a call here to alertness. An awareness of what is going on in the spiritual realms. There is a challenge to pray beneath the surface and get behind the presenting issues. There is a call to use the word of God to bring clarity, sharpness and insight.

 

The clear implication of this is that a vital part of our prayer life is listening. Not just charging ahead but pausing, waiting and listening for the Spirit’s promptings.